Bow Mount Trolling Motors

[gunflint]

I have moved up the idea of a bow mount on the priority list. Of course it's not just the motor itself but the casting seat with accessaries and a new flasher that goes with it. Anyway I have some questions for those who have a bow mount.

1. Whats the difference between the Maxxum and the Power drive with Maxxum technology? From what I can see it's the lift assist.

2. Auto pilot, is it worth the extra money for a walleye fisherman that doesn't spend alot of time casting?

3. How heavy are these things? I want so stick with a 12 volt in 55# thrust. My bow plate isn't the strongest although it will support standing on it.

4. Can I wire 2 trolling motors to the same battery? I wouldn't be running both at the same time.

Thanks.

[Valv]

Let's see if I can help here...

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1. Whats the difference between the Maxxum and the Power drive with Maxxum technology? From what I can see it's the lift assist.

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You might want to check Minnkota web site for more details

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2. Auto pilot, is it worth the extra money for a walleye fisherman that doesn't spend alot of time casting?

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YES, buy an Autopilot motor, you will not regret it, I believe it's the best invention on trolling motors.

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3. How heavy are these things? I want so stick with a 12 volt in 55# thrust. My bow plate isn't the strongest although it will support standing on it.

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Again check Minnkota web site but your plate will be fine a 55lbs 12volts will hold fine on it.

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4. Can I wire 2 trolling motors to the same battery? I wouldn't be running both at the same time.

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Yes, no problem at all, but as you said don't use them at same time, your batteery will not last long.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I would not be without a bow mount on my boat!

Great for working rigs and jigs at super slow speeds and will also give you plenty of speed for trolling spinners and at times even cranks( if you get a big enough motor.)

Go with the Auto Pilot!

I also reccomend the cabled remote control highly.

Make sure that your motor shaft is at least a 54" shaft! A 60" is even better if your boat will handle it. Needed for control on windy days!

If you have room in your boat for 2 batteries I would go to the 24 volt motor. It will have a lot more power, ( even with the same 55# thrust motor as the 12 volt), and the batteries will last much longer.

Cliff

[gunflint]

I checked the Minn Kota web site, the Cabel's catalog, and the Bass Pro catalog and still didn't see the difference. Could be brain freeze on my part. I did order the catalog. That should have more detailed info.

I would like to go with the 24 volt system but with the 25 hp limits on the lakes that I fish, weight is important.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Gunflint,

I thought that may be a factor!

Cliff

[gunflint]

I got it. The Maxxum doesn't come with auto pilot but the Power Drive comes with maximizer. I only had to read through it a half dozen times. Must be the paint fumes.

[carlcmc]

I would really go with the one with autopilot. Even more important these days for walleye fisherman.

Imagine trolling for walleye. Set your trolling motor (or your main motor if it trolls down slow enough). Then use your bow mount trolling motor with autopilot to fine tune the mph on gps with the autopilot set on. The main motor provides the majority of thrust while pointed straight and the trolling motor provides directional control and fine tunning. Just one of the options.

I'd have to disagree about the cable drive. I got the electronic one with the wireless remote control. Nothing like being freed up from that floor pedal to be able to walk your boat and do a variety of things and still control the electric. I wear it around my neck and I can bait the kids hooks, unhook fish and do pretty much everything on my pontoon boat while still driving the electric.

Autopilot with copilot recommended.

[rascalP]

Gunflint,

Here's the big difference between AutoPilot/Powerdrive and the Maxxum. AP/PD steering is controled by electronics, while the Maxxum series steering is controled by cables. Both are available with the maximizer (a must).

It all depends on your type of fishing. I primarily bass and muskie fish. I like the "spot-on" control that a cable drive steering has (Maxxum). You can steer the motor as fast or slow as your foot moves the pedal. I've used both and just don't like the one speed steering that the PD/AP has. Granted, I've used the cable-drive more than electronic-drive, but I feel I have much more control with cable. The pedal becomes part of me and I don't even need to look down at the arrow to know where I'm headed. However, when muskie fishing, I could see how the Autopilot would work well for me in setting a course along a weed- edge or flat and allowing me to cast standing close to the edge of the boat and letting me use both feet to work a lure or set the hook. I can still do that with cable-drive, just tension it down a bit so it does'nt start spinning around when you take your foot off (If it is in the constant on position).

Don't discount a cable drive unit until you have talked to a number of people. Not to mention cable's are less prone to breakdowns than electonics.

Hope this helps.

rascal

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Carlcmc,

I have had 4 of the remote controls + Copilots!

I had nothing but trouble from the remotes! They eat batteries up, (the batteries are cheap to buy), but a real pain to change! I even got a second remote to avoid changing batteries in the field. I have never gotten over 1 month out of a battery.

The remotes malfunction all of the time! I have also gone thru 3 copilots in the past 2 years, but I do really like them!

I went with the hand held cable remote and have not had a single problem. You can clip it on your belt or ,as I do,

clip it on your windshield and operate it by hand.

Cliff

[carlcmc]

i used one for all of last year without changing... I will get a new battery for the coming year.

[Fish Head]

Definitely go with the auto pilot! When you are trolling in the wind with a bow mount, you can’t take your concentration off the controls for 15 seconds or you can get way off course. If you ever need to catch a fish, net a fish, re-tie, pour a cup of coffee, eat lunch or anything that involves leaving the controls, you will be glad you had auto pilot!

I’ve had the co-pilot one year now and to be honest, I haven’t used it much.

Good Luck!!!

[andy j]

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Gunflint,

Here's the big difference between AutoPilot/Powerdrive and the Maxxum. AP/PD steering is controled by electronics, while the Maxxum series steering is controled by cables. Both are available with the maximizer (a must).

It all depends on your type of fishing. I primarily bass and muskie fish. I like the "spot-on" control that a cable drive steering has (Maxxum). You can steer the motor as fast or slow as your foot moves the pedal. I've used both and just don't like the one speed steering that the PD/AP has. Granted, I've used the cable-drive more than electronic-drive, but I feel I have much more control with cable. The pedal becomes part of me and I don't even need to look down at the arrow to know where I'm headed. However, when muskie fishing, I could see how the Autopilot would work well for me in setting a course along a weed- edge or flat and allowing me to cast standing close to the edge of the boat and letting me use both feet to work a lure or set the hook. I can still do that with cable-drive, just tension it down a bit so it does'nt start spinning around when you take your foot off (If it is in the constant on position).

Don't discount a cable drive unit until you have talked to a number of people. Not to mention cable's are less prone to breakdowns than electonics.

Hope this helps.

rascal

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Amen, you hit the nail on the head with this one, couldn't have said it better myself, I personally can't stand the motor driven motors, Most casters like cable driven and walleye guys like motor driven, But alot of avid and pro walleye guys use cable driven motors. I personally think you have much more control with the cable driven, again it is like a extention of your foot. The Powerdrive and Autopilot come with the "Maximizer feature." Good luck